bear-hug

1 of 2

verb

bear-hugged; bear-hugging; bear-hugs

transitive verb

: to embrace in a bear hug

bear hug

2 of 2

noun

: a rough tight embrace

Examples of bear-hug in a Sentence

Verb elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight Noun He gave his brother a bear hug.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Addison extended beyond the Bears defense to snatch a 45-yarder while being bear-hugged in the first half. Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Less than an hour later, a mighty whoop erupted as Chapel sank the third ping-pong ball, and everyone rushed back to the table to yell, leap, chest-bump and bear-hug — a moment of euphoria worthy of a winning lottery ticket. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
Noun
Denzel beamed as Rickles hit the stage and wrapped him in a bear hug (or three). Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024 The comedian then sprinted onstage and wrapped him in a bear hug. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bear-hug 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear-hug was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near bear-hug

Cite this Entry

“Bear-hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear-hug. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bear hug

noun
: a rough tight hug
bear-hug verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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